Greetings all. What a busy month it has been with the ITA. On Sept. 6 and 7, the ITA had the booth set up at Forever Outdoors at Living History Farms in Urbandale. On Saturday alone, we handed out 80 FBU packets to kids and educated many adults about methods and tools we utilize in the management and the harvest of wildlife. There were a couple of fathers that will probably be trapping again this fall due to the interest expressed by their children. When we go to these type of shows, there are many people that stop by and say they trapped at one time, but don’t or haven’t in many years. You can tell that the bug is still present. Thanks to Lyndon Sutcliffe and Sue, sorry Sue that I did not get your last name, Jeff and Patty Kempf, Spencer and Joice Hill and Dennis Johnson for helping at the booth during the weekend. The following weekend, I received a call and e-mail from our secretary Linda Long. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she was going to have to resign her position as secretary as of Oct. 15. After a conference call with the Executive Council and unanimous consent, Patty Kempf will be the new ITA secretary. Patty will fill the remaining 11 months of the term. By the time you read this, the transfer process will be complete between Patty & Linda. My thanks to Patty for stepping up to fulfill the term as secretary and to Linda for your time as our secretary. I know Linda will remain in this association as she has in the past. You can reach Patty by mail at: Patty Kempf 3371 130th St. Jamaica IA 50128

The 21st found Dennis Johnson, Ryan (I/he is not) Gay & I at Funke’s in State Center learning how to properly handle fur from Greg Schroeder of NAFA. If you have never put up fur, Greg is one of the best to learn from. His knowledge in the processing, handling and grading of pelts is a must see for everyone. I have watched him do demos for the past six years and every time I do, I have learned something new from him.

This past weekend, Sept. 26-28, found Dennis Johnson and I attending the Nebraska Fur Harvesters Convention in West Point. We had a good time, met and made some new friends and got to talk to old friends while out there. If you have never had a chance to attend a convention in another state, do so, it is a great experience. One word of warning if you go to Nebraska. I found out that the guys from there will be more than HAPPY to accept out-of-state money while at their auction. Thanks to Don Miller, Joe Jack, Dave Hastings, Roy Greenfield and last but not least John Self for making this Iowan feel so welcome and happy to be there. Hope to see you all again in Albion next year.

As I write this on the 29, this past week has also had some sad times. On Sept. 23 both Gene Purdy of Fontanelle and Jim Smith of Toledo had their fathers pass away. My condolences goes out to both of these gentlemen and their families. On Sept. 24, Ed Grillot was diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg. They put a filter in to keep any clots from getting to the heart or lungs, was to be back home on the 30th. As I talked to Chris on the 29th about Ed, she found out she will have colon surgery on Oct. 8 or 9, I forgot already, for the condition that has plagued her for the past month. Last but not least, Romona Plueger of Monticello is battling some health issues of her own as well. I know as you read this a couple of weeks has passed, but take the time to send a card or make a phone call to these folks to let them know you are thinking about them.

Remember, 8 a.m. Nov. 1 is the opening of trapping season. There are four counties along the Missouri River up to Sioux City that will be open for bobcat this season along with the lower two tiers of counties that was open last season. The bobcat quota is 200 total for those counties with an open season. The otter quota was raised to 500 state wide this season. Remember to always use common sense when setting. Just because the rule states you can set there does not mean it is in the best interest for ALL trappers, now and in the future, if a non-target animal becomes involved. My motto: If in doubt, don’t set it out!!! Remember the press almost always becomes involved!! Enjoy your time afield and while out there, take a newcomer along to introduce them to this part of our American Heritage. Til next time, be safe and may your stretchers be full. — Craig Sweet

NTA DIRECTOR’S REPORT

I’d like to thank Bob Cherkas of Sioux City for his generous donations made at the 2008 NTA Convention in Mason City. Bob donated $100 to the Iowa Trappers Association, as well as $100 to the National Trappers Association, as well as $100 to the National Trappers Association. Bob is a lifetime member of both associations.

For those of you who were unaware, the Awards Committee met on Aug. 5, 2008, at the NTA Convention in Mason City and agreed to present the “Conservationist of the Year” award to Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska in recognition of her efforts to implement a predator control program on wolves, thus protecting moose and caribou calving areas. Imagine our great delight when on Aug. 29, John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate!

Our family took a few days off from the bait shop and attended the 50th anniversary rendezvous of the Missouri Trappers Association at Cape Girardeau Sept. 18, 19, 20 and 21.

We assisted Missouri’s NTA Director Ron Pantry in the NTA booth. We were joined by NTA President Kraig Kaatz and former Missouri NTA Director Ray Bruedigam and signed up a good many new members as well as renewals.

I have been invited to present a program on the basics of trapping on Oct. 7 at Pioneer Ridge Nature Center, hosted by the Wapello County Conservation Board.

Let’s all do our part in promoting trapping at every opportunity and sign up any trapper you know to our associations. Iowa’s furbearer season open on Saturday, Nov. 1. Stay safe and good luck! — George E. Scalf

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